Breaking down barriers: Color and MSK Direct increase access to world-class Cancer Care

There are a number of barriers when it comes to accessing high quality healthcare, especially in specialty areas, like cancer. Where an individual is located, and whether they live near Academic Medical Centers or Centers of Excellence matters, and “healthcare deserts” in rural areas are still a pervasive challenge for quality care access. That’s why a key pillar at Color is to provide the best possible cancer care and support to anyone, at any time, no matter where they are.

In support of this mission, Color has teamed up with MSK Direct from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), which accelerates access to MSK’s world-renowned cancer experts and support ecosystem. The collaboration will provide employers with offerings of care and support across the entire cancer journey, from risk assessment and screening; to diagnosis, second opinions and early detection; to expedited treatment, all the way through survivorship.

With this collaboration, employers, unions and health plans can now offer employees and members comprehensive services, powered by Color’s 50-state owned network of oncologist-led providers, and expedited access to MSK world-class physicians and resources through MSK Direct. This approach aims to prevent cancer or catch it early and deliver the best possible care when it’s needed, with support for the individual at every step.

Why now?

The current model of cancer care is fragmented, confusing, and often addressed by employers with simple navigation services that have multiple points of failure. Screening rates of most employer populations are abysmal, and if a patient is diagnosed with cancer, they are often left to navigate siloed providers, disjointed services, and unclear next steps with little support, all while facing one of the biggest challenges of their lives.

Color and MSK Direct believe cancer care must be easily accessible. It’s not just about connecting people with top doctors, it’s about facilitating ease of access and support throughout the entire experience of care.

Unfortunately for employers and the population at large, cancer is becoming more common, especially among people under 50. And it’s expensive for individuals, families, and the companies that employ them. Early detection and access to subspecialized expert care can be the difference between manageable treatment and a medical crisis. To make that possible, access must be easy, not exclusive.

What this means for employees and families

Through Color and MSK Direct offerings, employees and their families don’t have to wait for a crisis to take action. The offerings start with prevention and early detection. Employees can assess their cancer risk and easily access guideline-based screenings, either at home, through MSK Direct or within their existing health network. They’re not left on their own to figure out logistics; Color’s ACS LION-certified Care Advocates are on hand to help with scheduling, transportation, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

If someone is already facing a diagnosis, or if they’re seeking clarity on a complex situation, MSK’s subspecialized physicians work directly with the individual’s medical team to provide in-depth second opinions. These are real clinical insights that can shape a person’s path forward.

In cases where treatment is needed, patients are given facilitated access to MSK’s world-class care team. Throughout it all, patients are supported with ongoing education and multidisciplinary guidance that keep them informed, engaged, and never alone in the process.

Even after treatment ends, the care doesn’t stop. Survivorship services are built into Color’s program, from return-to-work planning and symptom management to dietary support and strategies that reduce the risk of emergency room visits or hospitalizations. 

The big picture

The Color and MSK Direct programs mark a shift in how to approach cancer care, putting the patient first and building a system that supports them holistically. For employers, this collaboration offers a way to care deeply for their teams while also making smart, long-term investments in health outcomes and cost savings.

It all comes back to removing the barriers between people and the care they deserve. With Color and MSK Direct, that care is no longer out of reach, it’s wherever people need it to be.